Going to Panama – 8 alarm factors to consider before taking the step of relocation
You haven’t even unpacked your bags from your sunny Panama vacation and a soft, calm voice tickles your imagination, whispering, “I could live there.” Who hasn’t experienced the dream of residing in a tropical paradise where everyone is tanned, relaxed and friendly? Visions of being freed from hip-constraining stockings or neck-stretching ties entice your senses. The emancipation of raking autumn leaves or shoveling winter snow stirs your emotions. You even start rehearsing your retirement speech that begins with the words “take this job and…”
This may be how you envision your newly transformed life through the piña colada-colored eyes of a tourist. (tourist) But before you take the step of relocation, you must first consider what I call the “shock factors” (also known as unforeseen but well-documented factors) and explore rational ways to overcome them.
Will you be able to adapt to a foreign environment?
The way your life is today, you get in your car and drive out of your neighborhood waving at the people you’ve lived and socialized with for years. She finds comfort in knowing exactly where each item is at her favorite supermarket and how to order items at the local hardware store. Before deciding to move to a Spanish-speaking country, she must determine how adaptable she is to the changes she will experience in a very different social environment. Will you miss that fence talk with your nosy neighbor? Will you get frustrated if you can’t find that special food you’re used to eating? Can you handle walking into the hardware store not knowing how to order the simplest item? Can you get past this first fright factor? Start by meditating on releasing everything you know about the life you are currently living. Your mantra will be, “Things will not be as I am accused. Things will not be as I am accused.” Even if it’s bad grammar, repeat it 50 times, then wake up and understand that Panama is not Kansas and prepare your mind for cultural adjustment.
How many of your “stuff” can you live without?
As you decide to move in, look around your elegantly decorated home. One of her biggest wow factors will be deciding what to wear, what to sell, and what to give away. Years of collecting what I call “disposables” stand between you and the reality of a simplified lifestyle. The truth is, you can’t (or should I say “shouldn’t”) bring all of your stuff with you. So, long before the 40-foot mobile container is unloaded in front of your door, you’ll need to make your “must haves” and “can’t bear to part” list. Then do as Santa Claus. Make your list; Check it twice, then three times and even ten times. So be kind to yourself and decide to move in with only what fits comfortably in the container.
How many Really like hot weather?
Everyone loves to escape to the warm weather and the beach, especially after being hit by a harsh winter. But if you love having seasonal wardrobes, you’ll want to know that there are only two seasons in Panama, dry and wet, so you’ll have to trade in your spring coats, fall sweaters, and winter jackets for ponchos and umbrellas. As the temperature remains constant and pleasantly warm throughout the year, you can maintain your summer wardrobe as long as it is cotton and does not require ironing. After all, ironing is overrated. And if you’re in the hot flash stage, be sure to bring a couple of good fans. That way you’ll look classy instead of sweaty.
Do you like outdoor markets?
Personally, I find no greater thrill than going to the open-air markets on the weekends. It is certainly a way to fully immerse yourself in the culture. You’ll see fruits and vegetables you never knew existed, let alone know how to prepare them. But it’s not from Kroger. The aisles are not clean or wide, the sprinklers are not turned on to lightly mist product, there is no hypnotic background Musak, and nothing is pre-weighed and wrapped in clear cellophane packages. There are no check-outs, no coupons to redeem, you don’t get a receipt, and you’ll be wise to bring your own eco bags. However, there are three really great things about the market: there is never a dull moment; there is always a delicious delicacy to discover; and even the often-hasty husbands enjoy the market! These three factors make the market experience enjoyable.
How much do you like your partner?
Take notes. I didn’t ask “how much do you ‘love’ your spouse?” I know you love him, but how much do you LIKE…? I think you understand my idea. There must be a strong relationship, a friendship, with your spouse because you are going to spend more time together than ever. There is no place for boredom in Panama. You are going to go to the market, to the bank, to make other purchases, to the restaurant, for a walk, even to the hardware store, (yes, to the hardware store) TOGETHER! You will find that one of you will speak better Spanish than the other, therefore translating and carrying on vital conversations with vendors, taxi drivers, waiters and just about anyone you need to do business with while the other is standing will be necessary. it looks like a shop window. My advice, if you need help in this area, is to download several family self-help books for your Kindle and read them together.
Can you handle “bad hair” days?
This may sound superficial, but is there anything worse than a series of “bad hair” days? The good thing about Panama is that you will soon learn that your bad hair day is just a normal hair day and you look like everyone else. I am not being chauvinistic because men and women suffer equally from bad hair syndrome. The secret is to get a good haircut/style that will fall back when the wind blows or humidity vaporizes the coolness of your coif and then go about your business. After all, he’s retired now, who cares?
Can you drive like crazy?
When I moved from Atlanta I thought I could handle anything when it came to crazy on the road. I was wrong! What I knew in the United States as “road rage” I changed to the term “road madness” in Panama. Take comfort in knowing the difference between road rage and road rage. Road rage is personal and someone could end up seriously hurt. Road madness is random. You are just there when someone else is doing what they normally do. Yes, you could still end up seriously hurt, but at least it wasn’t personal. The secret to preparing for road madness in Panama and all of Central America is to play video games that will sharpen your reaction time. Learn to love your car wherever you want to go and then don’t hesitate. Don’t expect the other driver to be courteous. Anticipate what I call “what the heck…” moves. And by all means, don’t get mad because it won’t change a thing. Do what the locals do. Honk your horn, wave (no fingers salute, please), yell something inaudible out the window, and be on your merry way. Again, this isn’t Kansas and “we’re not used to driving like this” doesn’t work here. Look at it this way. You’re not watching NASCAR anymore. You are really on track.
How often do you “need” to see your grandchildren?
The key word here is “need” and not “want”. If you’re the Nana and PeePaw type who just can’t live without the constant slamming of the screen door, the commands to turn off the lights, and the demand to “stay out of the fridge until I finish making lunch,” then the another seven startle factors don’t even matter. But, look at it in a new light. Imagine how nice it will be to introduce your grandparents to all the fun and excitement that is Panama: from fast-paced, contemporary Panama City to the colorful, laid-back Caribbean flair of Bocas del Toro; from blue oceans teeming with whales, dolphins and other marine life to emerald mountains rich in tropical flora and fauna; to friendly children who love to play outdoors to diverse environments that beg to be explored. You and your grandchildren will realize a new meaning to quality time as you create lasting memories. And they’ll think they’re the coolest grandparents ever (this may be the biggest wow factor of all). The cost of being held in such high esteem? Priceless!
If you scored between 6 and 8 in terms of things you can handle, you’re ready to take the step of relocating. If you got a 4 or 5, reconsider your life and pray for it before you take the plunge. If you scored below 4, consider vacationing in Panama a few more times before making a decision.
Panama is a wonderful place to live, but you must first recognize the surprise factors and adjust your mind to accept the situations. Participate in lively online forums where you can chat with expats who have made the move. Check out the forum archives and discover threads discussing the many lifestyle differences. Give yourself at least six months to live in Panama to experience firsthand if you can make the mental adjustment. Do all of these things with an open mind and over time the startle factors will not seem so surprising.